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SiR on his upcoming Hollywood Bowl show, his mother’s passing and making a classic record

BBG News

At a packed Los Angeles concert in August, as recorded on TikTok by an audience member, the singer-songwriter Sir, originally from Inglewood, was moved to tears when his wife unexpectedly joined him on stage.

He expresses gratitude over the microphone, saying, “Let’s all applaud for my stunning spouse, Kelly Ann.” As he bends to kiss her, the audience explodes with “awws” and cheers.

During the closing stages of his Life Is Good tour, promoting his most personal album “Heavy”, which required five years to create and addresses his prolonged struggles with substance abuse, depression, infidelity, and recovery, a touching moment transpired between the performer and his partner. However, off-stage, SiR was dealing with a distinct challenge – the loss of his mother, Jackie Gouché, a gifted singer who performed alongside Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, and played a crucial role in boosting SiR’s artistic confidence.

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According to SiR during a Zoom call, his team wanted him to abandon everything and return home immediately. However, he sought guidance through prayer and consulted with his family. Together, they decided that he would complete the tour as a tribute to her.

By the time he reached the Hollywood Palladium, where he delivered consecutive performances, he recalls, “I believe I was exhausted and I required my backing, and luckily enough, my wife was present, making it a serendipitous moment for me. That particular night is something I’ll never forget.

After his emotional performance, Sir Darryl Farris, also known as SiR, unveiled an extended edition of “Heavy” in April, titled “The Light.” This version includes six additional tracks, some of which are brand new like “Sin Again” and “No Good,” while others were not part of the initial project.

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that the Grammy-nominated artist under L.A.’s powerhouse label Top Dawg Entertainment, sharing the roster with the captivating R&B sensation SZA, is all set to take center stage at the Hollywood Bowl on July 20 for the KCRW Festival. The evening promises an opening act by singer-songwriter Leon Thomas, whose talent I deeply appreciate, along with two unexpected appearances from what he calls “the best guests I could secure.

Music

The artist who creates both songs and music albums waited six long years before releasing new albums, which feels like an eternity during the period of streaming music. However, this extended break has led her to become one of the most prominent and daring figures in the pop world today.

Prior to the upcoming performance, we had a chat with the musician behind “John Redcorn” about how he honors his mother’s legacy through his songs, the impact of fatherhood to two daughters on him personally and creatively, and his ambition to produce an enduring album that resonates deeply with listeners.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Recently, you concluded your Step Into the Light tour a few weeks back. I’m curious to know about your experience performing onstage alongside your older brother Davion, who provided backing vocals, and your renowned uncle Andrew, a gospel bass icon. How did it feel sharing the stage with such esteemed family members?

Experience with them was incredibly rewarding. Previously, we’ve collaborated in various aspects, with my uncle contributing to my music and Davion helping me write songs. However, having them join me on tour was an extraordinary, almost surreal journey. I particularly cherished the time spent together before and after performances – sharing meals with my uncle, learning fascinating tales about my parents that I hadn’t known before, discovering stories about my grandfather I’d never heard. Our connection has deepened as a result. It’s wonderful to have him on tour. My uncle Andrew is fantastic, despite my occasional sibling frustrations. [laughs]

In a shift from last year, you were also part of the tour for the album “Heavy,” which is your most exposed work so far. What was it like performing these songs this time compared to last year? Were there any tracks that resonated differently for you during this performance?

We slightly altered our playlist as we had fresh tunes we wanted to highlight. The newly introduced tracks really resonated with me. I carefully selected which ones to include because they’re songs that I enjoy performing. The classic hits in the set list retained their charm, and the audience’s reaction remained consistent. However, it was unexpected to witness the crowd singing along to the new music. I was ready to explain my choices through these songs, but the audience was already feeling the rhythm and singing along, which was fantastic. My fans are amazing. I adore them so much.

What songs did you add from the “Heavy Deluxe: The Light” project?

We included “No Good,” “Sin Again,” “Out of My Hands,” and finally, “Step Into the Light” at the end of our selection. However, we also have tunes such as “John Redcorn” in there, a song that’s essential to our performance; if I don’t perform “John Redcorn,” they might give me a hard time! (Or, We incorporated “No Good,” “Sin Again,” “Out of My Hands,” and lastly, “Step Into the Light” towards the end of the playlist. Yet, we also have songs like “John Redcorn” in there, which is an essential tune; if I don’t sing “John Redcorn,” I might face some backlash!)

After wrapping up the tour, I realized it was over and I was done. During this tour, unfortunately, I lost my mother. At that moment, I was speaking with [TDE Chief Executive Anthony “Top” Tiffith], who asked if I wanted to carry on. They were prepared for me to abandon everything and return home immediately. However, after much contemplation and discussions with my family, we decided for me to complete the tour instead, as a tribute to her. My spirit was incredibly weak. This was an energy level I had never experienced before, especially since there were still eight more shows left. By the time I reached the Palladium, I was utterly exhausted.

One of the songs I perform is titled “Tryin’ My Hardest,” which I wrote during my recovery process when I wasn’t sober. This song is a testament to my mother and wife, expressing that I wouldn’t give up each time I relapsed. It seems that it was this very song that she attended that night. Tears flowed freely as I sang, and it just so happened that my wife was present at the concert, which turned out to be a comforting coincidence for me. That night will forever remain etched in my memory, as we sold out the Palladium not once but twice.

Did you have a very special bond with your mom, Jackie Gouche, who was an exceptionally talented artist? After her passing, have you composed any tunes that honor her memory?

I have a song that goes: (Starts singing lyrics)

Danielle was born in December, but she never felt the chill.
She has rich chocolate-hued skin and a heart that shines like gold.
There’s something about her that reminds me of someone I know.
She’s as complex as chocolate itself, both bitter and sweet.
It was effortless for you to sweep me off my feet, yet I never thought we’d meet.
I wish you could be here to witness the growth of my child.
I have no doubt she’ll thrive.
Her name is Danielle.

The song I’m working on is dedicated to my daughter, and I plan to include it in the upcoming project, though it remains to be seen. My mother played a significant role in sparking my passion for songwriting and inspiring me to become SiR. As a young man, I was shy and unsure of my musical talents. Whenever I shared my songs with her, she would respond with admiration, offering encouragement and advice that proved crucial. Over time, I continued to impress her, leaving her awestruck in her own words. My mother played a pivotal role in building my confidence.

Given that you’ve openly shared your journey with overcoming addiction and the lifestyle adjustments you’ve made since getting sober, could you share some insights about what you’ve discovered about yourself during this period?

Through self-discovery, I’ve come to understand that I possess an addictive nature, which can manifest in various substances. However, I’ve established healthy routines, with the gym becoming my primary addiction now. It was challenging to recognize myself when I was constantly under the influence, as it clouded my perception and understanding of life. Escaping this state was difficult, but once free, maintaining stability has been crucial to avoid relapse. It took approximately a year before I could truly say I was sober. During this time, I’d experience brief periods of sobriety, followed by setbacks. But now, I take pride in my role as a father and husband, and I’m committed to fostering my artistic growth. Although I’m grateful for the released album, the five-year delay is unacceptable. Ideally, an album should be produced annually, reflecting my creative nature. As a dedicated studio artist, I aim to find this balance. However, my sobriety must always come first as I navigate this new, exciting, yet challenging, sober journey.

After the release of “Heavy”, you welcomed another child, who we previously discussed. Now, being a dad to two kids, I’m curious if you could share how this experience of fatherhood has impacted you on a personal level and influenced your creativity.

Fatherhood is quite an enlightening journey. It’s made me realize many things about myself – I can be selfish, impatient, and yes, I’m beginning to feel the effects of aging. [laughs] My body doesn’t react as quickly as it used to, especially when trying to keep up with a 3-year-old who’s full of energy. But this experience has also taught me a lot about the way I was brought up. My parents were incredibly sweet, kind, gentle, and protective in the best possible ways. If I can be even half as good a parent to my children as my mother was to me, I believe they will turn out just fine.

On Sunday, you’ll be the main act at the Hollywood Bowl for the very first time. What thoughts and feelings does this performance stir within you, and what are you particularly looking forward to?

Admittedly, I was thrilled for Leon Thomas’ performance, but regrettably, I won’t be able to attend due to my need to prepare for my own show by doing vocal warmups. Now, I’m simply looking forward to witnessing that massive crowd. In L.A., I’ve had some fantastic shows in the past, yet this 17,000-capacity venue is impressive. The audience size for SiR seems to be the biggest I’ve ever encountered, so I’m eager to interact with the fans and hear them join in the singing.

Have you met Leon Thomas before?

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but I must express my admiration! You might not be aware, but before Leon Thomas became known for his acting, he was already penning songs. Yes, you’re correct, he gained fame through his acting roles, but prior to that, he was a member of a songwriting collective in LA. He has been writing tunes for other artists, and it’s wonderful to see him stepping into the limelight as an artist himself. I’m eagerly awaiting my chance to collaborate with him. With the current shift in my work, I find collaboration more appealing than ever. I want to share ideas with talented artists and have skilled musicians present to ensure our songs are perfect. We discussed it, and last week I sent him a message just to thank him for his contributions and to offer congratulations on his achievements. He’s a great guy, and I can’t wait to be a bigger fan as he continues to succeed!

Why is collaboration so important for you now? What’s changed?

I yearn for more exceptional tunes. With a wealth of experience under my belt and numerous compositions to show for it, I find myself longing for that timeless hit – the one that everyone remembers. Although I am proud of my past works, I can’t shake off this desire for a song that will resonate universally.

As a composer, I firmly believe that collaboration is the key to creating truly beautiful music because it allows me to tap into diverse perspectives and receive valuable guidance during the creative process. Even when I take the lead, having someone in my ear offering guidance can steer us towards our shared destination more effectively. To achieve this goal, I am not shy about seeking assistance. Over the years, I made the mistake of isolating myself, which served its purpose by shaping my unique style and sound. However, now that I’ve established my signature sound, it is essential to remain open to collaborative efforts, especially from those who understand my creative world.

Have you started thinking about your next project yet?

I’m definitely planning my upcoming project, though it doesn’t yet have a title. As for when it will be released, that’s still uncertain, but I’m keeping myself quite occupied with new songwriting and aiming to stay one step ahead. If I were to delay another five years before presenting a new project, I fear I might not last long. I may even have to find a regular job. So, while I’m definitely working hard, I won’t rush the process. I won’t force anything or release subpar material. Instead, I aim to deliver at least 40-45 minutes of pure greatness for my fans, as they truly deserve it more than anything.

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2025-07-18 13:31

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